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Thursday, March 19, 2009

Many people have never thought to give their dog a carrot or a green bean. Just as fruits and vegetables are good for us, they are also good for dogs, too. While not all dogs go crazy for a crunchy veggie snack, you may find that your dog just might prefer a carrot to a greasy, commercially-prepared preservative-laden treat made from ground corn and heavy sugars.

I start my dogs out eating fruits and vegetables from puppyhood, and rescues from the time they come to me. It is a good idea to ask your veterinarian what fruits and vegetables he/she recommends for your dog. There are some important things to remember when feeding fruits, for example. Most fruit seeds/pits are toxic to dogs and actually contain cyanide. When giving apples, always remember to remove the seeds first. While bananas are a favorite around here, be sure to feed them in moderation as they can cause constipation and/or diarrhea depending on how much you feed. Grapes are a no-no, as are raisins. Check with your vet if you feel you need help formulating a safe list of fruits and veggies for your dog. A few common fruits and vegetables I use are potatoes (white, red and sweet), carrots, garlic, green beans, apples, bananas and tomatoes. I use organic, but if you are using non-organic, make sure to wash the fruits and vegetables thoroughly and peel them.

When adding to my protein/rice/pasta base I usually use fruits in the mornings along with oatmeal and yogurt, blended in the blender. I call this concoction Fruit/Veggie Slop or Soup. :-) Any extras are placed into a ziplock container for use the next meal.

Cottage cheese and tofu are good sources of protein that I utilize at breakfast time as well, along with hard-boiled eggs. I add all supplements in the mornings. When you are making your own dog food, it is a good idea to purchase a good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement to make up any deficiencies in your dog's diet and help in maintaining a gorgeous coat, healthy skin and eyes. I have long used The Missing Link and have been very satisfied with the results, but there are several other brands out there that are worth looking into as well. I have also used peanut oil, wild-caught salmon oil and flax oil for dogs who need a boost in the skin and coat department. Be careful not to use too much of any one particular supplement. If you are using a product such as The Missing Link, it will be unnecessary to add any extra oils as this can lead to over-supplementation.

By the time everything is mixed together it looks rather icky, but trust me, dogs go nuts for it. At dinner time, I utilize vegetables in place of the fruits. There is no law that says you can't use veggies in the morning and fruits in the evening; this is just the way I do it. Remember, try to keep a good ratio of protein to everything else. I generally go with a 70/30 split. Working dogs, young puppies and pregnant/lactating females may need more and you will need to adjust the diet in these cases.

The Ponydogblog is the official blog of Monkeypups Organic Dog Bakery and the dogs who live and work here. It all started with Phinn and Veda, two Chinese Crested dogs. Veda is the loud, bossy one. She resembles a cross between Marilyn Monroe and cotton candy. Phinn is the quieter, more loving one. He is perfectly content to let his sister rule the roost. His looks fall somewhere between Rod Stewart and Boober Fraggle. The family also includes a Powderpuff Chinese Crested named Seidye (our newest edition and resident show dog) and Isy, a Toy Xoloitzcuintli.

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